The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John E. Tahany (ASN: 3279901), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the **** Sector, Normandy France, 14 July 1944. When the regular radio operator of his company was wounded, Private Tahany assumed operation of the portable radio and accompanied the commanding officer, a platoon leader and a platoon sergeant through heavy enemy machine gun and sniper fire which wounded the commanding officer and the platoon leader, leaving the platoon sergeant uninjured. The same burst, at close range, severely wounded Private Tahany, but despite the severity of his wounds which resulted a few moments later in his death, Private Tahany called to his comrades to form a line to return the enemy fire and cover the withdrawal of the platoon sergeant. With a last effort, he returned to the safety of his own lines the radio to which he had clung and over which was made the call that brought artillery fire to destroy the enemy positions. Private Tahany’s devotion to duty, disregard for personal safety, his personal bravery and gallant actions, reflect upon him the highest credit, and merit him a deserved place in the annals of fighting Infantrymen.